Training Log Archive: YakIn the 31 days ending Aug 31, 2016:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| « | » |
| » now | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday Aug 31, 2016 #
mt bike 2:30:00 [3] 35.0 km (4:17 / km)
Putting out 20 controls for Braitling street event and then checking some mtbo tracks and some of mapping on T Station. Mostly slow.
Then mostly drove to pick up 14 of them, as dark.
Hugh is picking up the others in the morning.
So tired, and I have a radio interview somewhere between 6.30-7am tomorrow before catching a 9.30 flight.
Then mostly drove to pick up 14 of them, as dark.
Hugh is picking up the others in the morning.
So tired, and I have a radio interview somewhere between 6.30-7am tomorrow before catching a 9.30 flight.
walk 30:00 [3]
Checking the marshy part of Sadadeen.
Alice was fogged in until about 10am.
Alice was fogged in until about 10am.
Tuesday Aug 30, 2016 #
mt bike 1:30:00 [3] 25.0 km (3:36 / km)
Frustrating day with heavy rain most of the day, so couldn't course plan at telegraph. Went to printers, masters games office, recyclers ....got a flat battery after leaving lights on, so wait for outback retrieval person to restart and then had to drive for 20 mins to keep it charged ...
Maybe 25-30mm in town according to people's rain guage
Went out at 6pm for a ride - lovely fiery sunset against black storm clouds.
Mistakenly went around the back and thru golf course and it was very muddy. Then out to TS and back and thru some streets. Big water holes everywhere. Little energy.
The cute citreons are back, after their month long outback bash, camping in the rain at the Gap View Hotel.
Maybe 25-30mm in town according to people's rain guage
Went out at 6pm for a ride - lovely fiery sunset against black storm clouds.
Mistakenly went around the back and thru golf course and it was very muddy. Then out to TS and back and thru some streets. Big water holes everywhere. Little energy.
The cute citreons are back, after their month long outback bash, camping in the rain at the Gap View Hotel.
Monday Aug 29, 2016 #
walk 1:15:00 [3]
Putting out and collecting 20 controls at Ross Park PS & surrounds.
Did 6 classes from yr 2 up to 6. Bit of a mixture of cultures.
Some had 2 classes (almost 50 kids at a time)!
Also had 20 older aboriginal kids from Sadadeen PS come across with their teacher Katie Bye & 2 other helpers - she ran them pretty well herself, as they had done O at own school. Impressive the ease with which schools co-operate around here. 220 kids in total.
After initial intro, map colours etc plus punching practice I did a map walk with half a class each (teacher had other half) of the younger children. Once we orientated maps it was like a swarm of bees to each control.
All had fun, teachers loved it, Principal approved and reckons that they use the map for a variety of things.
They don't have a high fence around, so community can come in and use playgrounds, bb court etc ....
Made my almost daily visit to printers after work; also to Jaycar to get a new battery for my van key; to supermarket in "peak time" ...
Had time for a short ride but am absolutely worn out and still have computer work to do.
Did 6 classes from yr 2 up to 6. Bit of a mixture of cultures.
Some had 2 classes (almost 50 kids at a time)!
Also had 20 older aboriginal kids from Sadadeen PS come across with their teacher Katie Bye & 2 other helpers - she ran them pretty well herself, as they had done O at own school. Impressive the ease with which schools co-operate around here. 220 kids in total.
After initial intro, map colours etc plus punching practice I did a map walk with half a class each (teacher had other half) of the younger children. Once we orientated maps it was like a swarm of bees to each control.
All had fun, teachers loved it, Principal approved and reckons that they use the map for a variety of things.
They don't have a high fence around, so community can come in and use playgrounds, bb court etc ....
Made my almost daily visit to printers after work; also to Jaycar to get a new battery for my van key; to supermarket in "peak time" ...
Had time for a short ride but am absolutely worn out and still have computer work to do.
Sunday Aug 28, 2016 #
walk 45:00 [3] 4.0 km (11:15 / km)
Picking up controls on Scout map - very rocky.
Disappointing turn up today - 12 only.
Disappointing turn up today - 12 only.
mt bike 2:40:00 [3] 35.0 km (4:34 / km)
Cruising around in afternoon finalising next Wednesdays Braitling course where I found some nice tracks I haven't ridden before.
Also rode into town and out to Ross to triple check several control placements for tomo and then out to Telegraph station to hear the aboriginal bush bands play. Most of town was there but I loitered outside the fenced off paying area, as you could hear it half way to town. Some watched from atop hills in the vicinity. Music isn't really my thing so I rode homeward at dusk.
Also rode into town and out to Ross to triple check several control placements for tomo and then out to Telegraph station to hear the aboriginal bush bands play. Most of town was there but I loitered outside the fenced off paying area, as you could hear it half way to town. Some watched from atop hills in the vicinity. Music isn't really my thing so I rode homeward at dusk.
Saturday Aug 27, 2016 #
Road Cycling 1:45:00 [3] 41.0 km (2:34 / km)
Got up at Sparrows fart to ride with the morning roadies but knew most would be doing the Glen helen gran fondo. Was several mins late to start, as was Kate Anderson. Very cold again - 2 degrees. Had thermal singlet on.
We debated which ride the others would have done - 4 possible, plus backwards and forwards options. Eliminated 1 as Kate would have seen them going north whilst riding in. Chose correctly by doing the Ilpara rd circuit and caught 2 of the slower riders after about 10kms. I rode with the faster guy and we stopped occasionally for the other two. Just what I needed. Worn out cleat meant that I had to ride with R foot out all the way.
We debated which ride the others would have done - 4 possible, plus backwards and forwards options. Eliminated 1 as Kate would have seen them going north whilst riding in. Chose correctly by doing the Ilpara rd circuit and caught 2 of the slower riders after about 10kms. I rode with the faster guy and we stopped occasionally for the other two. Just what I needed. Worn out cleat meant that I had to ride with R foot out all the way.
mt bike 1:45:00 [3]
Putting out and collecting controls at Flynn's Grave. I also did some by car and Hugh Round collected quite a few. Doris Round did her first ever O course and did well & loved it. This area is really nice for both foot & mtbo.
Then had to go into OLSH in the dark to collect 2 controls that the teacher who had collected for me had forgot.
Went to comedy gig in evening.
Has been interesting seeing the NT electioneering and the Labour victory speech by Michael Gunner was way too long. Previous Chief Minister Adam Giles is still doubtful to win his Alice Springs seat.
Up late watching women's relay at WOC - wondered why Tash wasn't in and running first leg?
Then had to go into OLSH in the dark to collect 2 controls that the teacher who had collected for me had forgot.
Went to comedy gig in evening.
Has been interesting seeing the NT electioneering and the Labour victory speech by Michael Gunner was way too long. Previous Chief Minister Adam Giles is still doubtful to win his Alice Springs seat.
Up late watching women's relay at WOC - wondered why Tash wasn't in and running first leg?
Friday Aug 26, 2016 #
mt bike 1:30:00 [3] 20.0 km (4:30 / km)
Day spent finalising courses and maps for 2 events this weekend ...for both foot and mtbo, young and old... Printer now says "you want them now I guess," yes please.
Riding was control putting out of the further ones for Sunday - finished at dusk. Had bit of drama when a stick embedded myself in my leg - couldn't ride with it in, so had to pull out. Wasn't carrying my bandage (!) so looked in my control bag and found bright green marking tape, so had that at the ready when the inevitable blood spurt happened. Applied pressure for some minutes and then tied several layers of tape over it. Worked well though I got a few odd looks whilst riding thru the streets back to the van.
Dropped in to the main aboriginal school - Yipirinya - to ask whether they would like a map & O. Had been told no 2 years ago. They have a large campus and adjacent to a good bush map.
Asked to see the Principal (Lorraine Sligar) - she was new this year ...explained myself and said "do you know what orienteering is?" She smiled knowingly - had orienteered in NSW and at major events many years ago, and knew my name from then.
"We would love to have O here and have I/s events with other schools." Yeh!
Top End have a Spanish mapper coming to Alice in October.
Riding was control putting out of the further ones for Sunday - finished at dusk. Had bit of drama when a stick embedded myself in my leg - couldn't ride with it in, so had to pull out. Wasn't carrying my bandage (!) so looked in my control bag and found bright green marking tape, so had that at the ready when the inevitable blood spurt happened. Applied pressure for some minutes and then tied several layers of tape over it. Worked well though I got a few odd looks whilst riding thru the streets back to the van.
Dropped in to the main aboriginal school - Yipirinya - to ask whether they would like a map & O. Had been told no 2 years ago. They have a large campus and adjacent to a good bush map.
Asked to see the Principal (Lorraine Sligar) - she was new this year ...explained myself and said "do you know what orienteering is?" She smiled knowingly - had orienteered in NSW and at major events many years ago, and knew my name from then.
"We would love to have O here and have I/s events with other schools." Yeh!
Top End have a Spanish mapper coming to Alice in October.
Thursday Aug 25, 2016 #
walk 40:00 [3]
Control movement. 1.7 degrees at 7am!
mt bike 2:00:00 [3] 32.0 km (3:45 / km)
Course planning at Flynn's Grave and then ride out to Simpson's Gap in total darkness.
mt bike 52:00 [3] 20.0 km (2:36 / km)
Ride back from Simpson's Gap to van parked in Larapinta.
Really dark and coolish.
Really dark and coolish.
Wednesday Aug 24, 2016 #
mt bike 2:00:00 [3] 30.0 km (4:00 / km)
Putting out and collecting controls in Eastside for twilight street O.
Used too many controls (19) per usual.
As I had left most controls out at OLSH for tomo I had to use the old controls which were very heavy. Had permission for controls in Ross Park PS - so 3 in there with a blown up map on back of street O map.
Had 32 people - incl teachers & students and parents from schools I have taught at over the last week - Sadadeen PS, Steiner, OLSH and Ross (where I'm headed on Monday). Some kids on bikes too.
Had 1 punch broken and 1 control covered up - not unexpected in that area.
Used too many controls (19) per usual.
As I had left most controls out at OLSH for tomo I had to use the old controls which were very heavy. Had permission for controls in Ross Park PS - so 3 in there with a blown up map on back of street O map.
Had 32 people - incl teachers & students and parents from schools I have taught at over the last week - Sadadeen PS, Steiner, OLSH and Ross (where I'm headed on Monday). Some kids on bikes too.
Had 1 punch broken and 1 control covered up - not unexpected in that area.
walk 1:00:00 [3]
Putting out and taking in controls on CDU and bush area for school sessions today.
Had an interesting "present" from a student today - a dead snake that the kid had killed on course. Another kid had filmed him despatching it!
"Why did you kill it?" I asked. "Because it was next to control no 3..."
This was in the bush part of the Masters sprint course ...
Had an interesting "present" from a student today - a dead snake that the kid had killed on course. Another kid had filmed him despatching it!
"Why did you kill it?" I asked. "Because it was next to control no 3..."
This was in the bush part of the Masters sprint course ...
Tuesday Aug 23, 2016 #
mt bike 1:30:00 [3] 28.0 km (3:13 / km)
Ride after teaching 170 kids O at OLSH & Sadadeen CDU + today.
Tired, so struggled to get out. Glad I did - finalised a couple of control sites for Wed and then did some laps to and fro telegraph station, both for exercise and checking out map.
Tired, so struggled to get out. Glad I did - finalised a couple of control sites for Wed and then did some laps to and fro telegraph station, both for exercise and checking out map.
Monday Aug 22, 2016 #
walk 1:30:00 [3]
Back to 16 hour O days ...
Most of day at Steiner school, who were delighted with sessions.
Then to OLSH & CDU to plan courses and put out 2/3rds of controls for tomo
Back "home" to mark up maps & do more promotion for events I'm running Wed evening, sat, sunday and following Wednesday ...
Most of day at Steiner school, who were delighted with sessions.
Then to OLSH & CDU to plan courses and put out 2/3rds of controls for tomo
Back "home" to mark up maps & do more promotion for events I'm running Wed evening, sat, sunday and following Wednesday ...
Sunday Aug 21, 2016 #
MT Bike xc race 3:06:00 [3] 41.0 km (4:32 / km)
6th & last stage of Redbank XC event.
Woke up to rain and rode to Chifley in a thunderstorm.
Bravely discarded jacket for the start, as it was then clear but cold.
Started really well - fair amount of energy although legs were screaming when the hills came. Did well until midway thru when another thunderstorm hit just when I was negotiating the "bouldering" section. (Climbing up & down cliffs with my bike) So was a bit tentative on slippery rocks.
I was a little lacking energy either side of the water station (24km) but then picked up and rode really fast over nice tracks (incl new Warrigal).
Rode around some other younger women at times, which was nice.
Finished 21st woman for stage and 21st overall which was gd given that I wasn't racing fit and played it safe 99% of time.
Won W60 quite easily.
Woke up to rain and rode to Chifley in a thunderstorm.
Bravely discarded jacket for the start, as it was then clear but cold.
Started really well - fair amount of energy although legs were screaming when the hills came. Did well until midway thru when another thunderstorm hit just when I was negotiating the "bouldering" section. (Climbing up & down cliffs with my bike) So was a bit tentative on slippery rocks.
I was a little lacking energy either side of the water station (24km) but then picked up and rode really fast over nice tracks (incl new Warrigal).
Rode around some other younger women at times, which was nice.
Finished 21st woman for stage and 21st overall which was gd given that I wasn't racing fit and played it safe 99% of time.
Won W60 quite easily.
mt bike 1:14:00 [3] 22.0 km (3:22 / km)
10 km was riding to start at Chifley and back from Telegraph station finish.
Rest was riding around Ross firming up control sites for Wednesday's event.
Rest was riding around Ross firming up control sites for Wednesday's event.
Saturday Aug 20, 2016 #
MT Bike xc race 3:45:00 [3] 48.0 km (4:41 / km)
Stage 5 - Telegraph station to Lasseters.
Out on Larapinta to Stuart Highway then a new "old school" track mostly unmade track back to Wrigleys.....22 km to water station and then a horrid 8 km loop back there again. Last 15 km was nicer.
I wasn't feeling gd so started near the rear and got held up by people stopping for small features that I would normally ride over. felt unco so just rode to finish.
Had a 10/10 dismount (according to the girl behind me) when my bike went over a rock outcrop and I bailed out successfully and landed on my feet and kept them after 3 / 4 steps.
Have a worrying bronchitis type cough and headache and my quads now feel like lead. Not really fit enough to "race" stage races atm after car accident.
Out on Larapinta to Stuart Highway then a new "old school" track mostly unmade track back to Wrigleys.....22 km to water station and then a horrid 8 km loop back there again. Last 15 km was nicer.
I wasn't feeling gd so started near the rear and got held up by people stopping for small features that I would normally ride over. felt unco so just rode to finish.
Had a 10/10 dismount (according to the girl behind me) when my bike went over a rock outcrop and I bailed out successfully and landed on my feet and kept them after 3 / 4 steps.
Have a worrying bronchitis type cough and headache and my quads now feel like lead. Not really fit enough to "race" stage races atm after car accident.
Friday Aug 19, 2016 #
MT Bike xc race 1:36:00 [3] 23.0 km (4:10 / km)
Stage 3 time trial from golf club. reverse order chase with 30 sec intervals.
the course was different to what I have done before.
Initial climb and out towards Emily Gap a lot less technical, then a nice fast flat bit in the middle, but a bit in the tails with the last 3rd being sandy 4 wd tracks and then 3 rocky climbs. I held my own for the first 2/3rds, passing 7 and being passed by 7 but then was inundated with faster riders on the last section, causing me to have to get off on some climbs right when I didn't want to,
I rode quite hard enjoying the first 2/3rds but lost considerable time towards the end, incl letting a more techie girl go thru on the last descent only for her to stop on the final little climb and thus making us let a whole crowd thru.
Spent the afternoon getting maps printed and map checking Sadadeen, with just 30 mins down time - no real rest before night event.
the course was different to what I have done before.
Initial climb and out towards Emily Gap a lot less technical, then a nice fast flat bit in the middle, but a bit in the tails with the last 3rd being sandy 4 wd tracks and then 3 rocky climbs. I held my own for the first 2/3rds, passing 7 and being passed by 7 but then was inundated with faster riders on the last section, causing me to have to get off on some climbs right when I didn't want to,
I rode quite hard enjoying the first 2/3rds but lost considerable time towards the end, incl letting a more techie girl go thru on the last descent only for her to stop on the final little climb and thus making us let a whole crowd thru.
Spent the afternoon getting maps printed and map checking Sadadeen, with just 30 mins down time - no real rest before night event.
MT Bike xc race 1:40:00 [3] 23.0 km (4:21 / km)
6.30pm night course using same track as earlier.
My aim was merely to survive, so I started more quietly and only pushed hard in the middle flat bit. Almost came unstuck here, ending in a bush after hitting an unexpected sandy bit, so went more sensibly thereafter.
Surprised to finish only 4 mins slower than this morning.
Pleased that my lights behaved themselves as last time 1 battery died early on.
My aim was merely to survive, so I started more quietly and only pushed hard in the middle flat bit. Almost came unstuck here, ending in a bush after hitting an unexpected sandy bit, so went more sensibly thereafter.
Surprised to finish only 4 mins slower than this morning.
Pleased that my lights behaved themselves as last time 1 battery died early on.
mt bike 30:00 [3] 8.0 km (3:45 / km)
Riding to and from the golf course x 2.
Thursday Aug 18, 2016 #
MT Bike xc race 3:24:00 [3] 40.0 km (5:06 / km)
Stage 1 of Redback race. Energy level 5
28 degrees, late start, and only a roadie helmet meant that I felt the heat a lot.
Chifley resort under police escort to Telegraph station entrance and then towards Wrigleys and on new track to Stuart Highway and on to the dreaded hellline....I found it a bit easier having ridden it last week. Past the stockyards it was lovely though I almost came unstuck with unusual speed at one stage.
At 23 km mark I was around a handful of people which was nice - not right on my tail though.
Felt really hot in 2nd half and didn't know the tracks until the very end. No respite in 2nd half, mostly still very rocky, Finished at Yip... school on western edge of town, just N of scout camp.
Then I went and relaxed my legs in the cold Chifley Pool and chatted to others.
28 degrees, late start, and only a roadie helmet meant that I felt the heat a lot.
Chifley resort under police escort to Telegraph station entrance and then towards Wrigleys and on new track to Stuart Highway and on to the dreaded hellline....I found it a bit easier having ridden it last week. Past the stockyards it was lovely though I almost came unstuck with unusual speed at one stage.
At 23 km mark I was around a handful of people which was nice - not right on my tail though.
Felt really hot in 2nd half and didn't know the tracks until the very end. No respite in 2nd half, mostly still very rocky, Finished at Yip... school on western edge of town, just N of scout camp.
Then I went and relaxed my legs in the cold Chifley Pool and chatted to others.
mt bike 45:00 [3] 10.0 km (4:30 / km)
To and from the event
MT Bike xc race 10:00 [3]
Pulled myself off the couch to go and do Stage 2 - the Anzac Hill climb.
Still hot at 5pm. I rode really slowly just aiming to get up the steep 400m climb. Did 2.10 which is about 25 seconds slower than a few years ago...
Forgot to lock out my shocks which didn't help.
Anyway it seems that I won my W60 class in both races and got some goodies, including a free Desert Park pass... Carolyn Jackson graduates to this class next year so I should enjoy victories while I can. Local Georgie was 3rd overall.
I was 23/36 females this morning and 22nd in the afternoon.
168 guys in it.
Still hot at 5pm. I rode really slowly just aiming to get up the steep 400m climb. Did 2.10 which is about 25 seconds slower than a few years ago...
Forgot to lock out my shocks which didn't help.
Anyway it seems that I won my W60 class in both races and got some goodies, including a free Desert Park pass... Carolyn Jackson graduates to this class next year so I should enjoy victories while I can. Local Georgie was 3rd overall.
I was 23/36 females this morning and 22nd in the afternoon.
168 guys in it.
Wednesday Aug 17, 2016 #
mt bike 1:00:00 [3] 15.0 km (4:00 / km)
Putting out controls for Gillen street event - too many probably. Took almost as long collecting them with 2 of us by car. Got quite a few newbies and even some kids on bikes.
L hamstring was sore at end...
Spent morning tidying up the Ross River maps - cant believe how much I achieved in 1 long day out there.
Also did some looking at next weeks street area for control sites.
Rang a local school and asked per chance whether I could use their school on the course with people hopping over the small fence. Reply was almost instantaneous - yes - tell us what gates you would like left open (normally locked) Not much red tape up here.
L hamstring was sore at end...
Spent morning tidying up the Ross River maps - cant believe how much I achieved in 1 long day out there.
Also did some looking at next weeks street area for control sites.
Rang a local school and asked per chance whether I could use their school on the course with people hopping over the small fence. Reply was almost instantaneous - yes - tell us what gates you would like left open (normally locked) Not much red tape up here.
Tuesday Aug 16, 2016 #
mt bike 1:20:00 [3] 20.0 km (4:00 / km)
Cruisey ride around Braitling map checking for street event - only got it half done. Inefficient today with many little hassles.
Monday Aug 15, 2016 #
walk 6:00:00 [3]
Map checking / redoing and control placement choosing for several permanent courses at Ross River. Had to wade thru creek and climb a few hills, that my R knee hurt doing. Found some interesting sites.
mt bike 1:45:00 [3] 22.0 km (4:46 / km)
Control choosing on the 1: 25,000 rogaine map around the airstrip - Sphinz - windmill area. Was lovely riding except for one overgrown track that would have been impossible to follow in the dark.
Will have to find some rogaine style markers that are heat resistant as little squares are inadequate on this scale and there are few real trees to hang things on.
Will have to find some rogaine style markers that are heat resistant as little squares are inadequate on this scale and there are few real trees to hang things on.
Sunday Aug 14, 2016 #
mt bike 2:51:00 [3] 30.0 km (5:42 / km) +396m 5:21 / km
Missed a morning ride with bike club as I had to get some maps photocopied at the library. Did part of the stage race course (later in week) which was riding the west MacDonnels tk backwards.
Telegraph station - wrigleys - new shitty section to Stuart Highway - Hell-line (8.5km of shit rock and hills) - Stockyards then a nice 7km to railway line.
Then had a brain fade and took a shitty route back towards suburbia and lobbed at the back part of Braitling houses and struggled to find a way thru.
Got home and drove 80kms to Ross River Resort where Jodie kindly put me up in a cabin and fed me for free.
Telegraph station - wrigleys - new shitty section to Stuart Highway - Hell-line (8.5km of shit rock and hills) - Stockyards then a nice 7km to railway line.
Then had a brain fade and took a shitty route back towards suburbia and lobbed at the back part of Braitling houses and struggled to find a way thru.
Got home and drove 80kms to Ross River Resort where Jodie kindly put me up in a cabin and fed me for free.
Saturday Aug 13, 2016 #
Road Cycling 1:58:00 [3] 50.0 km (2:22 / km)
Ride with AS Cycling club from Tom Roberts roundabout just near Mt Johns north on Stuart Highway to "highest point" sign and back. I worked well in the group and was stronger than other girls uphill.
Sitting having a hot chocolate afterwards in the mall one of the guys had his helmet and gloves pinched by kids but gave chase and they threw them down.
Then went to Old Timers fete briefly and onto Standley Chasm to see finish of stage 2 of Larapinta run. Annoyingly I forgot my phone so no photos.
Hanny won overall in about 5 hrs (42km) but was very tired and mentioned the R............. word. Her Mum who did the 18km came in soon after and looked fine. They decided to take the first bus back to Alice (50km) and not wait for Graham (Hanny's partner), so I said I would look out for him.
I wandered up the Chasm and when I came back Graham was lying flat out looking like death. He was dehydrated, having drunk less than 3 litres inn 6 hours in the sun. Luckily there was a fully equipped Defence Force Nurse there supporting Darwin DF personnel. He gave Graham some IV as 2 doctors assisted. Eventually he was ok'ed to go and I took him back in my van. I had just cleaned it this morning and he spewed out the window all over the side on the way! As we left the organisers were planning how to stretcher out some barely conscious person from a very remote part of the track ...
Sitting having a hot chocolate afterwards in the mall one of the guys had his helmet and gloves pinched by kids but gave chase and they threw them down.
Then went to Old Timers fete briefly and onto Standley Chasm to see finish of stage 2 of Larapinta run. Annoyingly I forgot my phone so no photos.
Hanny won overall in about 5 hrs (42km) but was very tired and mentioned the R............. word. Her Mum who did the 18km came in soon after and looked fine. They decided to take the first bus back to Alice (50km) and not wait for Graham (Hanny's partner), so I said I would look out for him.
I wandered up the Chasm and when I came back Graham was lying flat out looking like death. He was dehydrated, having drunk less than 3 litres inn 6 hours in the sun. Luckily there was a fully equipped Defence Force Nurse there supporting Darwin DF personnel. He gave Graham some IV as 2 doctors assisted. Eventually he was ok'ed to go and I took him back in my van. I had just cleaned it this morning and he spewed out the window all over the side on the way! As we left the organisers were planning how to stretcher out some barely conscious person from a very remote part of the track ...
mt bike 1:00:00 [3] 15.0 km (4:00 / km)
Slow ride around Gillen streets checking out control sites for next Wed's street event. Had hoped to have done Flynn's Grave as well but no time.
Friday Aug 12, 2016 #
mt bike 2:02:00 [3] 24.0 km (5:05 / km) +198m 4:53 / km
Nice day.
Another half page article in paper and big photo.
Managed to get a blood test done without hassles, then some course planning, then several sessions at Sadadeen again. Kids had lots of fun and thanked me without prompting, Principal came out to take photos - they are going to come to Ross PS when I go there too, and then schools champs..
Still short of time at end and headed about 4.30. Rode over to Chifley and initially followed the Larapinta Run 19km route (they started at 5.30 and did some in the dark) ... wasn't particularly well marked, which is common for RA.
Turned back at U....Rd and rode towards Emily Gap again and picked up return route I had intended to do yesterday. Got to top of descent (Sunset Hill) almost at sunset and had difficulty looking into the sun on way down. Thru golf course to home.
Another half page article in paper and big photo.
Managed to get a blood test done without hassles, then some course planning, then several sessions at Sadadeen again. Kids had lots of fun and thanked me without prompting, Principal came out to take photos - they are going to come to Ross PS when I go there too, and then schools champs..
Still short of time at end and headed about 4.30. Rode over to Chifley and initially followed the Larapinta Run 19km route (they started at 5.30 and did some in the dark) ... wasn't particularly well marked, which is common for RA.
Turned back at U....Rd and rode towards Emily Gap again and picked up return route I had intended to do yesterday. Got to top of descent (Sunset Hill) almost at sunset and had difficulty looking into the sun on way down. Thru golf course to home.
mt bike 15:00 [3] 4.0 km (3:45 / km)
Did a quick change and rode to AS Bike Film Festival at Olive Pink Botanic Park. Was fantastic and I reckon 800 people+ were there. Entrance had lights to guide us riders in (Dark) and then there were various lit bicycles in trees. Several dishes available - I had chicken curry + rice. Also pedalled powered smoothies, wine ... Some o/s films first then about 15 local ones, incl one from yr 10 St Philips College kids. One on Mamils was especially gd.
Thursday Aug 11, 2016 #
mt bike 2:15:00 [3] 27.0 km (5:00 / km) +251m 4:47 / km
Slightly better than yesterday so ventured out in late afternoon after a session at Sadadeen.
Aimed to do the 24km time-trial + night course but got away a little late.
One of my least favourite courses as it is very rocky and loose - and I was slow. Met a track repairer heading home, who was amazed to see some-one half way thru. Track got very faint out near Emily Gap and I wasn't sure that I was still on the correct one. First 13km on single track was really slow and sun was about to set.
I had 3 choices for return - single tk, thru Emily Gap (maybe a swim?) or take 4WD track nearby. Did the latter though it was very sandy and going a bit more eastward than desired. Eventually emerged on actual dirt rd and did some kms back to town outskirts. Had got my light out but found that I had the wrong size connector to put ut on my stem, so lucky I hadn't gone single tk, as rode while holding it.
Sadadeem PS today - all aboriginal classes with a great teacher.
Got a phone call from Lobethal Lutheran School today - the school I famously "preached O from the altar" in their Church. Wanted a map of Bushland Park to take their kids out to train in prep for SA Schools O Champs on Monday. I sent one plus a photo of a Woodhouse map I had.
Aimed to do the 24km time-trial + night course but got away a little late.
One of my least favourite courses as it is very rocky and loose - and I was slow. Met a track repairer heading home, who was amazed to see some-one half way thru. Track got very faint out near Emily Gap and I wasn't sure that I was still on the correct one. First 13km on single track was really slow and sun was about to set.
I had 3 choices for return - single tk, thru Emily Gap (maybe a swim?) or take 4WD track nearby. Did the latter though it was very sandy and going a bit more eastward than desired. Eventually emerged on actual dirt rd and did some kms back to town outskirts. Had got my light out but found that I had the wrong size connector to put ut on my stem, so lucky I hadn't gone single tk, as rode while holding it.
Sadadeem PS today - all aboriginal classes with a great teacher.
Got a phone call from Lobethal Lutheran School today - the school I famously "preached O from the altar" in their Church. Wanted a map of Bushland Park to take their kids out to train in prep for SA Schools O Champs on Monday. I sent one plus a photo of a Woodhouse map I had.
Wednesday Aug 10, 2016 #
walk and ride 30:00 [3]
Sick as a dog.
Wrote another article and provided photos for fridays edition of the local paper. Editor rang asking me again if i wanted a job!!
Sorted out publicity for street / park series.
Got a date for schools champs - Oct 18th.
Michelle C rang to say she wasn't returning from Adelaide until Sunday - just after I'd done a big tidy up ....but means I still have no means of scanning stuff.
Had a twilight training event planned for running club + Pine gap people at Scout map. Managed to get 15 yr old Jordyn (a gd orienteer) to help by putting out controls given me being sick. It went great.
To tea at Lassiters with friends.
Wrote another article and provided photos for fridays edition of the local paper. Editor rang asking me again if i wanted a job!!
Sorted out publicity for street / park series.
Got a date for schools champs - Oct 18th.
Michelle C rang to say she wasn't returning from Adelaide until Sunday - just after I'd done a big tidy up ....but means I still have no means of scanning stuff.
Had a twilight training event planned for running club + Pine gap people at Scout map. Managed to get 15 yr old Jordyn (a gd orienteer) to help by putting out controls given me being sick. It went great.
To tea at Lassiters with friends.
Tuesday Aug 9, 2016 #
mt bike 1:20:00 [3] 27.0 km (2:58 / km)
Struggled to get out today as feel like I have the flu / virus and certainly a runny nose. Was up later watching the xc eventing in Olympics as my friend Toy Martin's son Boyd is riding - unfortunately for USA as he now lives there.
He did really well, so I'll be watching the last show jumping session tonight.
Late afternoon ride along new bike path out to Flynn's Grave (10km each way) and then a brief ride on the Flynn's map. Seems to be the favourite resting place for burnt out cars.
Getting positive noises from the locals re the Masters events and co-operation from the AS Running & Walking club.
He did really well, so I'll be watching the last show jumping session tonight.
Late afternoon ride along new bike path out to Flynn's Grave (10km each way) and then a brief ride on the Flynn's map. Seems to be the favourite resting place for burnt out cars.
Getting positive noises from the locals re the Masters events and co-operation from the AS Running & Walking club.
Monday Aug 8, 2016 #
walk and ride 1:00:00 [3]
Big day. U p before dawn and 110km drive to Wallace rockhole. Quick map made and session for whole school of 20 kids. Got "paid" with a cultural tour to actual rockhole and rock art. Didnt have time for dot painting class.
Drive back to alice in time to get c cards and maps from printer.
Then putting controls out for 40 kids from Dusty Demons ...mtbikers from balance bikes up. Used their berm course plus a short course on scout map for older ones. Bit chaotic but kids seemed to enjoy it....lolly once they got more than 15 punches worked a treat. Was gd exposure for parents putting O in their vocab.
Drive back to alice in time to get c cards and maps from printer.
Then putting controls out for 40 kids from Dusty Demons ...mtbikers from balance bikes up. Used their berm course plus a short course on scout map for older ones. Bit chaotic but kids seemed to enjoy it....lolly once they got more than 15 punches worked a treat. Was gd exposure for parents putting O in their vocab.
Sunday Aug 7, 2016 #
Road Cycling 3:40:00 [3] 90.0 km (2:27 / km) +252m 2:25 / km
All roadies were out of town, so I had to go solo.
Couldn't survive as a roadie up here doing that.
Decided I should do the iconic Stuart Highway going north course.
Was slightly up hill and into a headwind on way out - went past Tanami Rd turnoff and turned around at the monument that said it was the highest point on the Alice - Darwin rd. Should have kept going to Darwin (some 1480kms...) as all downhill then! Didn't actually say how high the point was but my Garmin said 727m.
On way back I diverted onto the Tanami Rd thinking that it would soon turn to dirt ....20 kms later I was still waiting ... Warning sign at start said that it was over 700kms between petrol stops towards the end.... It was actually very nice on this rd as few vehicles - rough surface and 1 lane rd mostly. Nice range on left. Turned around and rode back with a nice tailwind.
Spent afternoon redoing 1 map and checking out 2 other maps / areas.
Couldn't survive as a roadie up here doing that.
Decided I should do the iconic Stuart Highway going north course.
Was slightly up hill and into a headwind on way out - went past Tanami Rd turnoff and turned around at the monument that said it was the highest point on the Alice - Darwin rd. Should have kept going to Darwin (some 1480kms...) as all downhill then! Didn't actually say how high the point was but my Garmin said 727m.
On way back I diverted onto the Tanami Rd thinking that it would soon turn to dirt ....20 kms later I was still waiting ... Warning sign at start said that it was over 700kms between petrol stops towards the end.... It was actually very nice on this rd as few vehicles - rough surface and 1 lane rd mostly. Nice range on left. Turned around and rode back with a nice tailwind.
Spent afternoon redoing 1 map and checking out 2 other maps / areas.
Saturday Aug 6, 2016 #
Note
Was going to ride early but didn't feel great. Pity as day was great.
Went out at night to Circus Oz show and ran into some friends.
Went out at night to Circus Oz show and ran into some friends.
Friday Aug 5, 2016 #
mt bike 1:42:00 [3] 25.0 km (4:05 / km)
Dusk ride out to Telegraph trails via golf course + Power shortcut. Then part of new trail (W...), skyline and then got a little lost on return ... (no map) and emerged into suburbs right on dark.
Perhaps best take a light with me next time.
Perhaps best take a light with me next time.
Wednesday Aug 3, 2016 #
mt bike 1:45:00 [3] 29.0 km (3:37 / km)
Rode over to Scout area to do some remapping etc and then thru Larapinta.
Mostly slow
Mostly slow
Tuesday Aug 2, 2016 #
Note
Bit overwhelmed today with re-mapping of several schools and a bush area.
Also L knee woke up a bit swollen - perhaps due to pushing into a strong headwind on yesterday's ride..
Also L knee woke up a bit swollen - perhaps due to pushing into a strong headwind on yesterday's ride..
Monday Aug 1, 2016 #
Road Cycling 1:38:00 [3] 34.0 km (2:53 / km)
Recovery ride ...around past Gap and on Ilpara to 2 remote caravan parks. Fluffed around a bit today as was NT picnic day public holiday.